St Leonards man and sons who beat asylum seeker worker sentenced

The victim, aged 18 at the time, was working at the Balti Hut takeaway in Queen’s Road, Hastings after entering the UK as an unaccompanied asylum seeker from Sudan.

Due to the poor working conditions and lack of pay, he threatened to leave and reported his employers to the government.

In response to this, he was subjected to an unprovoked and prolonged attack which resulted in a fractured forearm, along with multiple cuts and bruises.

The victim was chased from the takeaway through the town centre towards Hastings railway station by Mominur Rahman, who repeatedly hit him with a metal bar.

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Once at the railway station, both Mominur Rahman and his brother Shahnur Rahman continued to attack him.

They repeatedly hit, kicked, and stamped on the victim – including on his head – while he lay defenceless on the floor.

A short time later, a third brother Ridwanur Rahman arrived and punched the victim in the head while he was held down by Shahnur Rahman.

The brothers’ father Siddiqur Rahman then travelled to join them at the station and he also repeatedly stamped on the teenager’s head.

The attack only stopped after railway staff intervened and took the man to safety, before he was taken to hospital.

All four men, who live in Horntye Road, St Leonards, were subsequently arrested and charged.

The case went to trial at Lewes Crown Court and all four were found guilty, and sentenced on Wednesday November 8.

Mominur Rahman, 23 (Image: Sussex Police)

Mominur Rahman, 23, was sentenced to a total of 53 months’ imprisonment for attempted grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent and possession of an offensive weapon. He was also ordered to pay £500 compensation, £3,500 costs and a £190 victim surcharge.

Ridwanur Rahman, 29 (Image: Sussex Police)

Ridwanur Rahman, 29, was sentenced to 45 months’ imprisonment for attempted GBH. He was also ordered to pay £500 compensation, £3,500 costs and a £190 victim surcharge.

Shahnur Rahman, 31 (Image: Sussex Police)

Shahnur Rahman, 31, was sentenced to 48 months’ imprisonment for attempted GBH. He was also ordered to pay £500 compensation, £3,500 costs and a £190 victim surcharge.

Father Siddiqur Rahman, 57, was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment (suspended for 18 months) for affray. He was also ordered to pay £500 compensation, £3,500 costs and a £190 victim surcharge.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Emma Arthur Devennie, said: “This was a long and complex investigation which involved piecing together numerous CCTV clips and witness statements.

“Our support workers and translators worked closely with the victim to ensure we had the evidence available to secure a conviction against these four violent offenders – and justice for him.

“Throughout the trial, the defendants expressed no remorse for their victim and denied all the offences put to them. This is reflected by the significant sentences and costs imposed by the courts.”